Investigation launched after ‘suspected arson attempt’ at FA Cup giantkillers’ stadium

English sixth-tier club Macclesfield claimed someone tried to burn down its stadium on Tuesday, two months after it pulled off the biggest upset in FA Cup history by knocking out defending champions Crystal Palace.

The “suspected arson attempt” on Leasing.com Stadium took place overnight and there were no casualties, the club said.

The club statement released in the early hours of Tuesday morning read: “Macclesfield FC are aware of a suspected arson attempt at the Leasing.com Stadium in the late hours of yesterday evening/early hours of this morning.

“Emergency services have responded immediately and are on site tackling the blaze in the affected area/s.

“Despite understandable concern, we urge everyone to please avoid the area, anyone nearby to keep windows shut, and not to approach the stadium or disrupt the progress of the emergency services.

“We would like to reassure everyone that the situation is under control, there are no casualties and investigations are already underway into the cause of the fire.

“We would like to thank everyone for their concern and the timely response of those who alerted emergency services so quickly.

“Macclesfield FC will be making no further comment at this stage whilst the investigation develops.

The stadium dates to 1891. It has a capacity of 6,355 spectators.

Led by the younger brother of England and Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney, the tiny club from England’s northwest stunned Premier League 's Palace 2-1 on 11 January in Macclesfield and created one of the most iconic moments in football’s oldest knockout competition.

With 117 places separating National League North team Macclesfield and Palace when they played, it was the biggest upset in the FA Cup’s 155-year history.

Macclesfield were knocked out in the next round of the competition by another Premier League club, Brentford.